Eating is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s a fundamental aspect of our well-being.
At times, our hunger can be so intense that we are often eager to just fill our empty bellies or cravings with little to no care about the state of the food, the environment it’s coming from, or the conditions. Hunger can make one care even less about the taste of the food!
However, considering the outbreak of several diseases in recent times, it has become more important than ever, that we consume healthy and hygienic food. Consuming foods that are hygienic and healthy is essential to maintaining good health and well-being.
Let’s get into other reasons why this is essential:
Disease Prevention
Poor food hygiene can lead to foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), foodborne illnesses are usually infectious or toxic in nature and caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances entering the body through contaminated food. Chemical contamination can lead to acute poisoning or long-term diseases, such as cancer. Many foodborne diseases may lead to long-lasting disability and death.
These illnesses can range from mild discomfort to severe health complications, especially in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Sicknesses like cholera, typhoid, and listeria, which may lead to miscarriage among pregnant women, are just a few of several other diseases that may occur from consuming unhygienic foods.
Nutrient Retention
Proper food handling and storage help preserve the nutritional value of the foods we consume. Avoiding contamination ensures that we get the full benefit of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients needed for growth. For instance, washing vegetables thoroughly before cooking can help retain water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and some B vitamins. Also, good hygiene practices prevent food from spoiling prematurely. Spoiled or rotting food loses its nutritional value and can even become harmful if consumed. By maintaining a clean and sanitised environment for food storage, you extend the shelf life of your ingredients, ensuring they remain nutritionally sound.
Food Quality
In addition, hygienic practices enhance the overall quality and taste of food. Fresh ingredients prepared in a clean environment tend to be more appealing and enjoyable to eat. Before purchasing food, one should be mindful of the surroundings in which the food is sold. You may not have the liberty of checking the kitchens of restaurants and eateries; however, the environment you’re allowed to see, the look of the utensils, plate, table surfaces, ladle used in serving, and even the appearance and manner of the person serving you the food, should be your deciding factor when purchasing a meal.
Digestive Health
Good food hygiene supports healthy digestion. Contaminated or spoiled food can lead to digestive discomfort and gastrointestinal problems.
Consider these food hygiene practices:
Handwashing
Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling food. This simple act can prevent the transfer of harmful microorganisms to your meals. Washing hands includes washing in-between fingers, scrubbing fingernails, and even washing your upper hand leading to your elbows.
Food Storage
Store perishable items in the refrigerator and use proper packaging to prevent cross-contamination. Do not store raw and cooked items together in one space to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Check expiration dates regularly when purchasing food items.
Cooking Temperatures
Cook meat, poultry, and seafood to the recommended internal temperatures to kill harmful pathogens.
Clean preparation surfaces
Disinfect cutting boards, knives, and countertops to avoid cross-contamination.
Avoiding Cross-Contamination
Keep raw and cooked foods separate to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
Maintaining food hygiene is a responsibility we all share. By being hygiene-conscious when it comes to food, we can protect our health, enjoy tastier meals, and promote overall well-being. Healthy eating starts with clean and safe food practices, and it’s a vital step towards a healthier life.
